Southern Xinjiang 8-Day Tour: Secrets of the Western Regions
Kashgar · Taxkorgan · Shache
Highlights
- A Unique and Differentiated Experience
- Authentic Southern Xinjiang Cuisine
- The Pamir Plateau and Karakoram Scenic Route
- Customized Itineraries That Meet Regulations; Well-Paced Trips
Price includes
- Each city is equipped with dedicated air-conditioned vehicles and English-speaking drivers
- Every city has licensed English-speaking tour guides.
- Admission to all attractions included in the itinerary
- Four-star hotel with daily breakfast included
- List of Intercity Flights and Trains
- 24/7 support hotline available throughout the entire process
Price excludes
- International round-trip flights to and from China
- China Visa Fees
- Personal expenses, tips for guides/drivers
- Lunch and dinner (unless otherwise specified)
- Travel Insurance
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Kashgar |
| 2 | Crossing the Pamir Mountains to Taxkorgan County |
| 3 | Tashkurgan County – Panlong Ancient Trail – Kashgar |
| 4 | Exploring the Culture and History of Kashgar |
| 5 | Kashgar - Shache - Cultural Experience |
| 6 | Kashgar - Kuche |
| 7 | Kuche - The Mysterious Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains |
| 8 | Kuche - Return Trip |
Itinerary
1Arrival in Kashgar
Upon arrival at Kashgar Airport, a private car will pick you up and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the Old City of Kashgar to ease into the time difference; in the evening, explore the Old City night market for an immersive experience of everyday life in the Western Regions.
2Crossing the Pamir Mountains to Taxkorgan County
Traveling west along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, you’ll pass by Baisha Lake and encounter the breathtaking highland scenery where Baisha Mountain and the emerald-green lake intertwine.
Gazing out at the snow-capped peaks of the Kongur Range, we journeyed deeper into the vast Pamir Plateau until we reached Tashkurgan County.
3Tashkurgan County – Panlong Ancient Trail – Kashgar
Arrive at Jincao Tan and Shitoucheng early in the morning to wait for the first light to spread across the plateau wetlands and admire the majestic and sweeping sunrise over the plateau.
Traveling along the Panlong Ancient Trail through more than 600 S-curves symbolizes overcoming all the twists and turns in life, with nothing but smooth sailing ahead.
We paused by the shores of Bandir Blue Lake to admire the water, which was as crystal-clear and deep blue as a gemstone, and then returned to Kashgar as the afterglow of the sunset faded.
4Exploring the Culture and History of Kashgar
Arrive at the East Gate of the Old City of Kashgar early in the morning to watch the city-opening ceremony, which is steeped in the unique charm of the Western Regions.
Visit the Aitigaer Mosque and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road and the Western Regions...
Stroll through the Han Bazaar Night Market, where the lights stretch as far as the eye can see and the aroma of delicious food fills the air, and fully immerse yourself in the unique, everyday charm of the Western Regions.
5Kashgar - Shache - Cultural Experience
Head to the ancient city of Shache, visit the Twelve Muqam Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, experience the unique rhythms of this world-class intangible cultural heritage, and explore the cultural musical traditions of the Yarkand Khanate that have been passed down to this day.
After sampling Shache’s local delicacies, we set off on our return journey to Kashgar.
6Kashgar - Kuche
Take a flight or train to Kuche (travel time: approximately 1–1.5 hours). In the afternoon, take a stroll through Kuche’s Old Town, wandering through the colorful alleys of Kucha.
Savor the rich aroma of freshly baked Kuche naan and experience the vibrant atmosphere of ancient Kucha’s bustling streets.
7Kuche - The Mysterious Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains
Step into the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, wander through the majestic red canyons, and marvel at the rugged, undulating red cliffs as you take in the majestic landscape sculpted by nature.
If you have enough time on your itinerary, why not visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to trace the history of the ancient Kucha civilization and admire the treasures of the cave murals that span thousands of years?
8Kuche - Return Trip
- Depending on your flight schedule, you will depart from Kuche-Kuche Airport or return to Urumqi.